Speakers on the Day

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Dr Conor Murphy - discussed the science behind climate change. ​

​Dr. Conor Murphy is a Senior Lecturer in Geography and PI with the Irish Climate Analysis and Research UnitS (ICARUS) at Maynooth University. His research expertise covers the detection and attribution of climate change signals from historical records, the assessment of climate change impacts and adaptation, together with decision making under uncertainty. Conor has published over 50 scientific articles in the field, including in Science, Nature Climate Change and PNAS. He is currently working with Irish Water and the Office of Public Works in developing approaches for ensuring resilience of water resources and flood risk management to a changing climate. Conor also sits on the National Adaptation Committee.

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​Dr. Margaret Desmond - discussed how you may experience and adapt to climate change. ​

​Dr. Margaret Desmond is a Senior Research Fellow in the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in University College Cork. She specializes in climate change impacts and adaptation research, policy analysis/advice and implementation. With over 10 years of experience, she is currently working on an EPA funded project to explore the transition to a climate resilient Ireland by 2050. A graduate from UCC, she holds a PhD in Geography and has post graduate qualifications in teaching and environmental management.

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Michael Kelly & Katie Smith- talked about the role of social enterprise through the experience of the ChangeX community platform. ​

​Michael Kelly is founder of GIY (Grow it Yourself) a global community of people who grow some of their own food. He produced and presented the RTE TV Series GROW COOK EAT with Karen O'Donohoe. GIY is a social enterprise creating a healthier, happier and more sustainable world where people grow some of their own food. In 2018 GIY will support over 800,000 people to grow food for the first time at home, school, work and in the community. The organisation supports over 8,000 community food projects in Ireland and the UK, running awareness programmes and events to inspire and support people to grow food.

Katie Smith Operations lead Change X - Before joining ChangeX Katie worked with the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice on securing global justice for people vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Previously she spent two years with Web Summit, focusing on partner relations and event management at global tech conferences. Katie holds a degree in Neuroscience and a Masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development.

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